Yukama

Yudokoro, located on the slope of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, is a beautiful cobalt blue crater lake with the smell of sulfur wafting around it. The hot spring that wells up from the bottom of the lake contains iron and sulfur, creating an artistic color as it reflects only the blue of sunlight. From the Yudokoro observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful lake. Admission is free, and it's about a 20-minute drive from the Kusatsu-Shirane mountain trailhead. There are also observation restaurants and souvenir shops around Yudokoro, making it a convenient location for tourists.

Kusatsu and Shima can be visited by taking the express train that connects Ueno Station and Nagano-Kusatsuguchi Station. This train allows you to tour hot spring resorts such as Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen. When boarding the Kusatsu-Shima Express, the D seats on the left side are the best for enjoying the scenery. Although there are also unreserved seats, it is recommended to make a reservation as it can get crowded. Kusatsu Onsen has day trip bathing and accommodation facilities, allowing you to enjoy a hot spring tour. In addition, there are many other hot spring resorts in the surrounding area, such as Shima Onsen, Sawatari Onsen, and Manza Onsen.

The Mirror Pond Course, which starts from the Yubatake on the slopes of Mt. Shirane, is a course that even beginners can enjoy hiking on easily. With an elevation difference of 150 meters, a distance of 3,000 meters, and taking about an hour to complete, you can enjoy beautiful scenery along the way. Before hiking, be sure to check the weather forecast and prepare appropriate equipment. In addition, there are many hot spring inns and restaurants around Mt. Shirane, making it convenient for accommodation and meals before and after hiking.

The Limited Express Kusatsu-Shima is a express train that connects Ueno Station and Nagano-Kusatsuguchi Station, making it convenient for accessing Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. It takes about 2 hours from Ueno Station to Nagano-Kusatsuguchi Station. There are many tourist spots around Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, including popular attractions such as the Yubatake Observatory and hiking trails.

There are many hot springs around Mount Shirane in Kusatsu. Not only famous hot springs like Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen, but also lesser-known ones like Sawatari Onsen and Manza Onsen. In addition, the area around Mount Shirane in Kusatsu is surrounded by beautiful nature, making it a great place for strolling and hiking. It's also known as a popular tourist spot among visitors.